Any idea of what to do to a yard that is starting to look pretty muddy from high traffic area? I was looking into maybe overseeding with some winter rye grass but I kind of need a quick fix for this one?

Thanks Shawn

the.hines

12-11-2007, 09:37 PM

This is just a little bump to the top...

shovelracer

12-11-2007, 09:51 PM

Sun or shade? Whats your average temps there? Is it light weight traffic or heavily compacted?

ericlemson

12-11-2007, 09:55 PM

rye is pretty fragile and wont stand up to the traffic. Might need to try another alternative. Unfortunatly without knowing more about the area, I cant suggest anything.

TXNSLighting

12-12-2007, 12:53 PM

yeh we need a little more detail. rye is not the answer at all.

the.hines

12-13-2007, 10:39 AM

It is going to be a full sun area. Temp are well it is Nashville TN. Soil seems to be a clay mixture. The high traffic area is from the dogs running around the yard. It seems they created trails down the fences. I think I would like to get some sod but I am not sure where to go this time of year? I don't need enough to go to the farm and buy a pallet.

ericlemson

12-13-2007, 07:26 PM

if there continues to be high traffic, then rye wont work. Bermuda sod would be a quick fix, but would eventially wear down as well. Might need to think up a different alternative, not involving turf.

DavisLawn

12-15-2007, 11:36 PM

i also have a yard like this and would like to hear advice from you guys... mine's in a shady yard... the drought and her WANTING to do the yard when its damp has been tough on the yard.... any ideas?

Stillwater

12-16-2007, 01:54 AM

the only problem I have with my lawn is the fact I can't see the dam thing under all this snow.....

RigglePLC

12-21-2007, 09:07 PM

Not sure if it is warm enough for rye grass--or did you mean actual grain winter rye. Either way I suspect you need temps above about 45 degrees for most of the day.

Does anybody have a suggested crop that would grow at temps below 45 degrees? Winter peas--maybe?

Try to spread out the dog traffic particularly when grass is dormant or soil is wet.

Put a few lawn chairs, picnic tables, bicycles, 57 plymouths on blocks --whatever you have--to block the path of the dogs and guide them to where you want. Change the pattern every week.

If you have to--put down flat paving stones in the heavily trafficked areas.

RigglePLC

12-21-2007, 10:14 PM

And...in better neighborhoods you may want to block the dogs pathe with something more decorative--potted plants or potted yew bushes for example.

You may wish to use the radio collars and buried wire fence--the traffic is more dispersed. The fence is not really needed. You can move the wire periodically to reduce concentrated traffic.

It may be a good source of income to install this kind of radio fence.

How about some old rusted out school buses sittin on the frames. They cover more ground and can act as a fence!!!!!!:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Sorry, I couldn't resist. The 57 plymouths got me :laugh:

capetrees

01-01-2008, 03:20 PM

Is the yard fenced in? Is it a dogs area or a family area? If it's a family area, perhaps much or woodchips would be better along the fence line. It would stop the damage all together. You could also plant trees/shribs along the fence to stop the constant working of the fenceline and it would look nice as well as functional. Not a constant row of bushes which would actually just create another fenceline but intermittant shrubs or trees.

capetrees

01-01-2008, 03:21 PM

and ericlemson, is that you, "clumpy"?

ericlemson

01-08-2008, 08:49 PM

Clumpy? Nope.

the.hines

01-09-2008, 09:01 AM

Some great Ideas thanks everyone... I like the mulch or wood chip idea I think that might be the way we go. Try to make a walkway around teh yard as well... With out the dog poop

capetrees

01-09-2008, 12:42 PM

I knew a guy from north of Boston with the same name as you ericlemson years ago. Clumpy was his nickname. :laugh: